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LCD Projectors
Because you may be seriously considering
spending $200.00 on Algebra PowerPoint: Teaching Made Easy
As Pi , I feel it is my obligation to save you at least
that much on some of the hardware you may also have to
purchase. Below is a list of some of the LCD projectors that
cost below $1500.00. The projector I use in my class was
purchased several years ago for twice this amount and it only
projects at a brightness of 800 lumens. The projectors today
are cheaper, brighter, and better quality. Take these model
numbers to a search engine like
AltaVista or pricing
guide like
NextTag to see current prices and sellers.
Recommended LCD Projectors:
3M Model# MP7640i 1400
lumens
Toshiba Model# TLP-s30u
1400 lumens
Sony Model# VLP-CS5 1800
lumens
InFocus Model# LP240
1000 lumens
Mitsubishi Model# XLIU
1100 lumens
Epson Powerlite 53c 1700
lumens
Remote Presenters
Most LCD projectors come with a remote control for use with
the projector. These are usually bulky remotes that have a
built in mouse and other features that you will probably not
use in class. I recommend purchasing a light-weight remote
presenter instead. A good remote presenter usually costs about
$100 and should offer the following features in order of
importance:
- 5 mW built-in class 3a laser.
- Forward and reverse buttons that will advance or retard
your PowerPoint slides.
- RF (meaning Radio Frequency- IR stands for Infrared and
is not recommended since you must maintain a line of sight
with the receiver that is plugged into the computer).
- USB connectivity for Mac or PC
Some presenters offer additional features, but these four
are critical since they will be used 99.9% of the time. I have
tested many of these remotes and my recommendations follow.
(Lowest Rating = 1, Highest Rating = 5)
Interlink Electronics RemotePoint Navigator
... Costs about $100.00
| Feature |
Rating |
Comments |
| Laser 1mW Max. 670NM, Class 2 |
2 |
The only bad thing about this presenter.
It's the brightest of the 1mW lasers I've seen, but
students will have a very hard time seeing it with the
lights on and curtains open. This is my favorite presenter
but I still have to carry a separate 5 mW laser pointer.
|
| Forward and Reverse Buttons |
5 |
Very large buttons. Advance button on
right and retard button on left as it should be. Also has
nice Hide button to dim the presentation until it is
pressed again. |
| RF Receiver |
5 |
Small USB receiver. Very responsive.
Slides change almost instantly. |
| Battery Life = 6 mos. 2 AAA batteries |
5 |
Common battery. |
Street Smart Technologies Power Presenter RF
... Costs about $100.00
| Feature |
Rating |
Comments |
| Laser 5mW Max. 650NM, Class 3a |
5 |
Very Bright! Most powerful laser I've seen
in a presenter. This is critical. What good is it if
students can't see it? |
| Forward and Reverse Buttons |
4 |
Buttons are small. The presenter looks
like a car door remote. I found myself hitting the wrong
buttons often. |
| RF Receiver |
2 |
Receiver is bulky. Comparatively slow
response in PowerPoint . Sometimes I advance the
slide and there is a delay or nothing happens at all.
Tested with PC and Mac with same results. Perhaps I
purchased a bad unit. |
| Battery Life = 1 yr. CR2032 battery |
3 |
Uncommon battery. |
Targus Wireless Remote Presenter
... Costs about $50.00
| Feature |
Rating |
Comments |
| Laser 3.5mW Max. 645-665NM, Class 3a |
3 |
Still not bright enough. Students have
trouble seeing it. |
| Forward and Reverse Buttons |
3 |
Buttons are reversed when using
PowerPoint. Right retards and left advances. Has a
multi-directional mouse built-in, but I very rarely use
it. |
| RF Receiver |
5 |
Small USB receiver. Responds as it should.
|
| Battery Life = 30-60 days 2 AAA Batteries
|
4 |
Common battery. |
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